"These funds will expedite final design and right of way acquisition to help cover this phase of the project," said Mica. "Unfortunately, higher construction costs and higher costs to maintain our existing highways are straining budgets at the local, state, and national levels."

The extension project begins on the south end at an intersection with C.R. 2209 and connects with the proposed interchange of S.R. 9B and Interstate 95.

As planned, 9B splits off from State Road 9A a few miles before 9A ends at Interstate 95 and Interstate 295.

The Duval portion of 9B goes due south to the St. Johns County line, while the St. Johns portion twists southwest and ends at Race Track Road and County Road 2209.

County leaders say 9B is a high priority project because it would relieve traffic congestion on U.S. 1 and I-95. It would also encourage development in north central St. Johns and serve as an evacuation route during hurricanes.

Projections indicate that by 2035, S.R. 9B would carry 110,000 vehicles per day.

In addition to the $500,000 authorized for the design phase of the SR 9B extension in St. Johns County, this project was previously authorized by Congress in the major National Highway bill as some of the first federal transportation earmarks that St. Johns County has received.

"With the growth in St. Johns County, it is vital that this important infrastructure project receives not only county and State support, but also financial assistance from the federal level," said Mica.

The Omnibus Appropriations Bill provides the operating budgets for the agencies and departments of the federal government.

It must be approved by the House of Representatives and the Senate, and signed into law by the president.